genes:D

This chapter especially helped me remember and also bring light to the amazing process genes go through. Just like how Mr. Tisor said, " the fusion of two haploid cells turning on and off a series of genes creating us, creatures of flesh." I just find it pretty hard how something that is not hard as bone becomes something as hard as bone:D or the growth of arms from something that doesn't even have arms.

This chapter, just like Ejay says, finally became more interesting beginning from Saunders' experiment playing with the ZPA. It has the duty of controlling the development of the hand: if it was removed the growth of the hand would be inhibited and if transfered to the other side another set of fully formed digits would be developed, mirror images. These experiments also make me think as what would happen if one was to remove the ZPA but instead of putting it on the other arm but the feet. I wonder if it would form hands near the feet or for some reason would it become feet.

Also amazing was how fruit flies, something so small and insignificant would have been one of the main players in genetics, as the gene activity sculpts the fruit fly's body.

I also find it extremely amazing how the Sonic hedgehog genes from other animals matches each of the developments and such which just further proves that we are all connected; These experiments such as with flies and chickens give scientists more information and insight into human birth defects. I just never thought about how my distant ancestors could have been a fish.

-Kevin Chun